Cheers and applause filled Ottawa City Hall Wednesday as a majority of councillors rejected a request to build nearly 2,000 new homes in Manotick, a village in south Ottawa.
Area residents have been fighting for months to block a proposal by Minto Developments that would double the size of its current village.
While the dispute may appear to be about numbers, many residents say it's more about defending the character of Manotick.
"This is a debate about the difference envisioned between a suburban style development and the vision that we have for a village," West Manotick Community Association President Brian Tansley told CTV News.
"It's a vote for the citizens to create their own vision or carry their own vision forward for the villages," he said.
Many, including the area's councillor Glenn Brooks, insist that increased traffic and other volumes would negatively impact the community.
Brooks tabled a motion Wednesday to reject Minto's request, saying that's what his constituents told him to do.
"I'm elected to take direction from my community," Brooks said, adding that there may still be an opportunity to reach an agreement.
Despite council's decision, Minto says it doesn't intend to withdraw its proposal.
Jack Stirling, Minto's vice-president of developments, says he and his team will "examine all options" before deciding how to proceed.
The company has previously said it would appeal the matter to the Ontario Municipal Board.
Tansley says he's not convinced that's the "next logical step." He says the association still hopes to reach a compromise before the dispute reaches a tribunal.
But reaching a compromise involves dedicating more time to the cause and Stirling admits he's starting to get burned out.
"I'd have to question now how many nights and weekends I'm going to spend on this now," he said.
The matter likely wouldn't make it to a board tribunal until at least the fall.
With a report from CTV's Chris Day
